A VINTAGE business celebrated its tenth anniversary last week.

Vintage at the Tower, based in Corbridge, marked its anniversary at A Midsummer's Evening, a popular event organised by Visit Corbridge which was held in the market square on June 22.

The event brings live music, late-night shopping and a market to the village's streets. 

Gayle Foster, owner of Vintage at the Tower and chair of Visit Corbridge, said she enjoyed prosecco and birthday cake with residents and customers.

Hexham Courant: Vintage cutlery sold at Vintage at the TowerVintage cutlery sold at Vintage at the Tower (Image: Ian Wylie)

"I think we're very lucky in Corbridge because it's full of independent, quirky shops that you wouldn't necessarily get anywhere else. 

"Everything we sell in our shop is all vintage, recycled and good for the environment. Each item is individually hand-picked by me, whether it's a piece of jewellery or a piece of silver. 

Hexham Courant: Vintage rings sold at the shopVintage rings sold at the shop (Image: Ian Wylie)

"I like to think I specialise in the more glamorous side of it. We sell crystal glasses, old cutlery, it's about enhancing your life experience with these lovely old things.

"Nothing comes into the shop unless it's been polished, cleaned or restored," she added.

Hexham Courant: Gayle Foster cutting the birthday cakeGayle Foster cutting the birthday cake (Image: Ian Wylie)

Another crucial focus for the business is sustainability, as reselling vintage products prevents them from going into landfill. 

"It's so important to reuse and recycle," she explained.

Hexham Courant: The display at Vintage at the TowerThe display at Vintage at the Tower (Image: Ian Wylie)

Ms Foster said it has been a 'pleasure' to run the business over the last decade. 

"I love doing all the displays and you get such nice people coming through the door."

Hexham Courant: The cake Gayle's friends made to celebrateThe cake Gayle's friends made to celebrate (Image: Ian Wylie)

Ms Foster said she, some of her regular customers and her 'supreme team of helpers', Kerry Steele and Jackie Steljes, celebrated the businesses' birthday as part of the annual A Midsummer's Evening celebrations.

The event is always held on the Thursday closest to the longest day of the year.

"The anniversary always coincides with that day," Ms Foster said. "It was a huge success, we had thousands of visitors to the event, the weather was fantastic and everything went really smoothly.

Hexham Courant: Vintage glasses and cocktail shakersVintage glasses and cocktail shakers (Image: Ian Wylie)

"We had a great selection of market stalls, street food and live entertainment. It was just a fabulous evening."

Ms Foster said her plans are to develop her businesses' online presence and sales going forward.

"I think vintage is here to stay, because it has to be. We have to do this to protect the environment," Ms Foster said.

The business has a website www.vintageatthetower.com, an Etsy shop and a Depop shop.